Qualification requirements in Norwegian public libraries - an analysis of job advertisements

Abstract

Introduction: For some years practitioners have observed a tendency that local government authorities advertising vacant professional positions in public libraries do not specify an educational background from library and information science as a mandatory qualification for applicants. Are the observers correct? This study aims at answering this question by analysing advertisements for vacant positions.

Method: All advertised vacant positions registered at the Norwegian Labour and Welfare organisation in the years 2005, 2010 and 2015 satisfying a definition of having a professional responsibility were coded and analysed in order to see if the demand for professional education has changed over time.

Analysis: A consecutive cross-sectional study was undertaken using quantitative content analysis.

Results: The research confirmed that a development has taken place with a reduced weight on library education and an increased weight on personal and interpersonal traits between 2005 and 2015. There are differences between local government authorities according to size. The tendency not to ask for library education is strongest with the very small authorities and a few very large cities.

Conclusions: Further research with longer time series as well as comparative research is needed to get a fuller understanding of the development.